Salmon Kings Sign Murray, Acquire Burnett

Victoria, BC –The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that they have signed forward Garth Murray for the 2010-11 season, and have acquired defenseman Gord Burnett from the Trenton Devils in exchange for future considerations.

The 28-year old Murray joins the Salmon Kings following a full 2009-10 campaign with the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League (AHL) where he served as the team’s captain. In 80 games last year with the Heat he scored a career best 31 points (9g-22a) while serving 169 minutes in penalties. Murray also appeared in all 13 Calder Cup Playoff contests this spring in Abbotsford where he recorded three points (1g-2a) while tallying 34 penalty minutes.

The Regina, SK native is a veteran of 355 AHL contests between the Heat, Hartford Wolf Pack, Hamilton Bulldogs and San Antonio Rampage. During his time in the AHL, Murray has amassed 109 points (46g-63a) and 823 minutes in penalties.

The 6-2, 215 lb forward has also appeared in 116 career National Hockey League (NHL) contests over five seasons (2003-04, 2005-06 thru 2008-09) with the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Florida Panthers and Phoenix Coyotes. Over the course of his NHL career Murray has notched eight goals and two assists for 10 points with 131 minutes in penalties. He also appeared in six NHL Playoff games with Montreal during the 2005-06 season, recording no points or penalty minutes. Murray has been under NHL contract to all five teams he has played for, as well as the Calgary Flames.

For his professional career, the New York Rangers’ draft pick (2001, Round 3, #79 overall) has accumulated 54 goals and 65 assists for 119 points across 471 appearances, including 954 penalty minutes.